SERVPRO of Liberty, Smithville and NE Clay County Employee Photos

Cory Bates

Cory, the owner of our 11 franchises, has been with SERVPRO for 21 years. He began his professional career in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), operating throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and completing two tours in the Arabian Gulf. As an Aircraft Director on the ship’s flight deck, Cory was responsible for the safe and efficient launch and recovery of aircraft, managing the movement of people and equipment, and ensuring their combined safety.

After his honorable discharge, Cory returned home to study East Asian Language and Culture at the University of Kansas. He then embarked on a career in property restoration. Drawing from his training and experience in the high-stakes environment of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck, Cory has successfully built his business and managed complex projects. He takes pride in his team and their achievements, as the company has grown to become one of the largest and most respected operators in the SERVPRO system.

“Our goal has never been to be the biggest, but it has always been to be the very best,” Cory says. He is grateful that SERVPRO has given him the opportunity to engage with the community through various charities and local outreach programs, including Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers Big Sisters KC, Kids TLC, Variety KC, and the Maranatha Family Worship Center.

Mike Hogan

Mike Hogan is our General Manager and part owner of SERVPRO® Team Bates/Hogan. 

What he enjoys most about his job is building relationships with his co-workers and watching them reach their full potential. In his free time he likes to be outdoors with his wife and children.

Matthew Minshall

Matthew our Director of Operations at SERVPRO of Olathe/Lenexa. Matthew oversees the company's operational activities to ensure efficiency, productivity, and adherence to industry standards. This role involves managing daily operations, coordinating between different departments, and ensuring that projects, particularly in restoration and cleanup, are completed on time and within budget. They are responsible for developing and implementing operational policies and procedures, overseeing quality control, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. He enjoys the people and customers that he works with. Matthew has four children and enjoys fishing and doing art with them.

Eric Secrist

Eric is one of our Project Managers with over 26 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry, Eric has risen from entry-level positions to senior management. Beginning with cleaning up construction sites and using early flood extraction methods, he has witnessed significant technological advancements and gained extensive management skills. He emphasize's the importance of motivating employees and ensuring their safety to achieve efficient and profitable operations. Eric's career achievements include owning and significantly growing a family construction business, starting and expanding a restoration franchise, and managing large-scale disaster recovery projects across the country. Highly qualified with numerous certifications, he has consistently improved gross profits in various divisions and has a strong understanding of building science and drying processes. Eric's military background and extensive professional affiliations further underscore's his leadership capabilities and commitment to excellence in the industry.